The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Raymond A. Overpeck (MCSN: 0-17843), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Discovering several enemy guns being readied for action across against another Battalion which was moving up across open ground in the direct line of fire, First Lieutenant Overpeck quickly prepared his 80-mm. mortar section and led three rocket launcher teams into position about fifty yards from the enemy guns. Remaining near the rocket launchers in full view of the target, he opened fire with both mortars and rocket launchers and personally directing the attack, obtained hits on every enemy gun in the group. Although his small group was harassed by hostile riflemen, he courageously remained at his exposed position and continued to direct the fire, using his own rifle to kill two Japanese. By his initiative and skillful coordination, First Lieutenant Overpeck prevented the enemy gun crews from firing a single round and,, in addition, was responsible for the destruction of four enemy guns, the annihilation of many Japanese soldiers and saving the lives among our own troops. His leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.